Austin Dog Alliance provides Bow Wow Reading Dogs for at-risk readers, therapy dog teams for hospitals and nursing homes, and service dogs for veterans. Volunteers can train to work with their own dog in a therapy setting or work with ADA service dogs. Orientation and training are required. Sign up for orientation on ADA’s website.
1321 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park
512-335-7100
www.austindogalliance.org
Twitter: @ausdogalliance
Austin Fairy Godmother Boutique offers an affordable way for girls and women of all ages to purchase dresses so they can attend any formal event in style without the burden of expense. Through community partnerships throughout Central Texas and its Diva Day Out Mentoring Program, the organization aims to make a difference by surrounding those in need with positive role models, encouraging future success, and building self-esteem and self-worth. Call the boutique for more information or to volunteer.
10303 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander
512-709-9867
www.austinfairygodmother.org
[email protected]
Blue Santa brings Christmas items to families who might not otherwise have gifts and food. The organization was started by the Austin Police Department in 1972 and includes the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, Austin Water and Austin Energy. It has served more than 4,500 families. Visit the website for volunteer opportunity information.
4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, Austin
512-974-2583
www.bluesanta.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Volunteers assist with daily tutoring, homework help and general after-school activities, such as fine arts; sports; and science, technology, engineering and math education.
5407 N. I-35, Ste. 400, Austin
512-444-7199
www.bgcaustin.org
[email protected]
Twitter: @bgcaustin
Brown Santa is a community service nonprofit organization of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Many sponsors and volunteers help each year to make the Brown Santa drive successful. The goal is to provide assistance to families in need in the unincorporated areas of Travis County. Volunteers help sort and wrap gifts and serve food for holiday meals at the warehouse at 305 S. Congress Ave., Austin.
P.O. Box 207, Austin
512-247-2682
www.brownsanta.org
CASA of Travis County speaks up for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system.
7701 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 301, Austin
512-459-2272
www.casatravis.org
Twitter: @casatravis
CASA of Williamson County provides trained, court-appointed volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused or neglected children on their journey to a safe, permanent home.
805 W. University Ave., Ste. 111, Georgetown
512-868-2822
www.casawilco.org
www.facebook.com/casawctx
Twitter: @casawctx
Cedar Park Public Library Foundation volunteers work mainly with fundraising, but they can also assist with other library needs. Volunteers must be age 14 or older, and adults must pass a background check.
550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park
512-401-5630
www.cedarparktexas.gov/libraryfoundation
Twitter: @fablefeft
Central Texas SPCA is a no-kill shelter that provides care for homeless animals. Volunteers assist with direct animal care, fundraisers and adoption. Opportunities are also available for children who are accompanied by an adult.
909 S. Bagdad Road, Leander
512-260-7722
www.centraltexasspca.org
snapchat@spcaadopt
Charity Craft Volunteer Network and its volunteers create comfort items for breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and child patients in the Austin area.
512-653-4646
www.craftingcomfort.org
Drive a Senior—Northwest Austin serves Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Leander. The program assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.
10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin
512-250-5021
www.driveaseniornorthwest.org
Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas[/caption]Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas provides opportunities for volunteers to participate in its therapeutic horseback riding program, Hopeful Hearts. ERCT serves individuals with disabilities and veterans and their families. New volunteer orientation is provided monthly to teach horse handling and side-walking. For more information, email [email protected].
17000 Trails End Cove, Leander
512-484-8480
www.horseserct.org
Friends of the Cedar Park Public Library[/caption]Friends of the Cedar Park Public Library is a nonprofit group of volunteers established in September 1980 to promote the library within the community. Its purpose is to support and strengthen the library’s resources and services to the public. Members may volunteer at the two annual used book sales that provide funding for the library.
550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park
512-401-5600
www.cedarparktexas.gov/libraryfriends
Goodwill Central Texas provides numerous volunteer opportunities, including rebuilding computers and tutoring in high school and GED classrooms.
1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin
512-637-7100
www.goodwillcentraltexas.org
Twitter: @austingoodwill
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County teams build quality houses for local low-income families. Volunteers assist in construction, office administration and customer service, and they also handle donations and provide customer service at ReStore thrift stores for building materials.
2108 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown
3916 Gattis School Road, Ste. 104, Round Rock
512-863-4344
www.williamsonhabitat.org
Twitter: @habitatwilco
Hill Country Community Ministries is a nonprofit corporation that provides food and clothing for people in crisis or poverty in Southwest Williamson and Northwest Travis counties. Volunteers help in the food pantry and clothes closet, pick up food at retail stores and serve as caseworkers.
1005 Lacy Drive, Leander
512-259-0360
www.hccm.org
Just Because Christmas Project is a nonprofit program established in 1987 in association with St. William’s Parish of Round Rock. The purpose of this project is to serve underprivileged families who live outside the city limits of Round Rock or those who do not get help from other agencies. Volunteers are needed from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Hernandez Middle School, 1901 Sunrise Road, Round Rock, to help sort goods, wrap presents and distribute items to families.
2800 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 120, Cedar Park
512-748-1763
www.jbmhope.com
Leander Educational Excellence Foundation funds innovative teaching projects and professional development opportunities. LEEF needs individuals interested in serving the community as board members or as a volunteer in any of its programs, which include early childhood literacy and building a college and career-ready culture among Leander ISD students. To volunteer, email [email protected].
P.O. Box 358, Cedar Park
512-570-0027
www.leanderedfound.org
Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions is a no-kill, privately run animal shelter located in Lago Vista. Dogs and cats looking for forever homes are housed at the shelter. Volunteers are needed to assist with dog and cat caretaking, fundraising, adoption counseling and off-site events.
20803 FM 1431, Lago Vista
512-267-6876
www.lifelongfriends.org
Literacy Council of Williamson County improves adult literacy in the county and offers English as a second language courses. Volunteers tutor individuals to read, write and speak English or earn a GED certificate.
2411 Williams Drive, Ste. 1, Georgetown
512-869-0497
www.literacycouncil-wc.org
Lone Star Circle of Care provides primary health care services for uninsured and underserved patients in Central Texas. Volunteers help with administrative tasks and other assignments.
205 E. University Ave., Ste. 200, Georgetown
512-686-0207
www.lscctx.org
Twitter: @LSCCHealthCtr
Meals on Wheels[/caption]Meals on Wheels of Williamson and Burnet County serves Leander, Cedar Park and Liberty Hill. The program makes and delivers meals to homebound members of the community, including those age 60 and older. Volunteers deliver meals by car.
Bagdad Activity Center, 351 N. Bagdad Road, Leander
512-259-0288
www.opportunitiesforwbc.org
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center serves individuals with disabilities using horses for therapy. Volunteers age 15 and older are needed Tuesday-Saturday to work directly with individuals, horses or in other capacities, such as landscaping. Younger volunteers can work directly with students in sessions. Volunteers receive training before starting and do not need prior experience with horses.
1020 CR 270, Leander
512-259-6665
www.openmyworld.org
Project Linus Williamson/Travis/Hays/Bastrop County Chapter provides handmade blankets for children going through a difficult time in their lives. The nonprofit works with about 40 organizations, including police departments, hospitals and children’s shelters. Volunteers are needed to make homemade blankets and gather monthly to process them.
512-448-1851
www.orgsites.com/tx/austinlinus
Reset Mentoring is a charitable organization that benefits at-risk youth by providing services both in and out of the juvenile justice system. The organization’s programs are shown to reduce recidivism rates and include mentoring, Bible studies, life skills classes and teen center activities. Volunteers can mentor, cook meals, assist with yearly outreach programs, provide rides or teach life skills classes for juveniles.
P.O. Box 914, Leander
512-761-7217
www.resetmentoring.org
[email protected]
Restore Transform is a faith-based holistic wellness center has been in operation since 2011. The organization recently expanded its services to offer low-cost chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, fitness and nutrition services and counseling. Volunteers are needed for grant writing, fundraising, marketing and housekeeping.
1003 Adventure Lane, Cedar Park
512-221-1939
www.restoretransformaustin.org
The Reveal Resource Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding families through both physical and spiritual resources. Churches, schools, businesses, agencies and families can support the ministry by providing canned food, clothing, monetary donations and volunteer work. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-noon Monday and Tuesday.
1150 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park
512-981-7721
www.revealresourcecenter.com
RRISD Partners in Education Foundation generates and distributes resources to Round Rock ISD. Volunteers distribute school supplies, mentor students, and serve on scholarship and grant committees.
595 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 404, Round Rock
512-464-5600
www.rrisdeducationfoundation.org
Twitter: @RRISD_PIEF
Run Free Texas offers two different 12-week running and walking programs working with at-risk youth in the community and with select students in fourth and fifth grades at Round Rock ISD. Both programs are designed to positively impact youths by promoting physical and mental wellness. Volunteers run alongside youth participants and provide support throughout the duration of the program. Training is provided, and no prior running experience is required.
14900 Avery Ranch Blvd., Ste. 278, Austin
512-788-4762
www.runfreetexas.org
Twitter: @runfreetexas
Samaritan Health Ministries is a clinic serving uninsured families that has multiple, flexible volunteer opportunities inside and outside of the clinic. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Administrative and office support, Spanish interpreters, medical volunteers, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses are needed.
700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park
512-331-5828
www.theshm.org
Texas Humane Heroes’ mission is to eliminate pet homelessness. The organization travels across Texas to rescue at-risk animals from overcrowded municipal shelters, some with save rates as low as
5 percent. Volunteers can help in a variety of areas, including dog and cat care, clinic help and administrative duties. The minimum volunteer age is 14 years old.
10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander
512-260-3602
www.texashumaneheroes.org
Twitter: @HumaneHeroes
Thirst No More is a Christian aid organization whose mission is to transform communities through the power of compassion. Its projects are typically in regions where people have been ravaged by war, tyranny or natural disaster. Thirst No More recruits volunteers of all ages for church projects, disaster relief and humanitarian projects.
P.O. Box 2290, Cedar Park
512-382-4318
www.thirstnomore.org
Twitter: @tnmtweets
Twin Lakes Family YMCA volunteers assist in programs that aim to help build stronger families and communities. Most available volunteer opportunities are for youth coaches and special events.
204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park
512-250-9622
www.ymcagwc.org
Twitter: @cedarparkymca
United Way of Williamson County focuses on improving education, income, health and helping people meet their basic needs. Volunteers are needed for four free tax-preparation sites—in Hutto, Georgetown, Leander and Taylor—from January-April. Free training is provided. Volunteers are also needed for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Fall Day of Caring projects.
1111 N. I-35, Ste. 220, Round Rock
512-255-6799
www.unitedway-wc.org
www.facebook.com/unitedwayofwilliamsoncounty
Twitter: @unitedwaywilco
Williamson County Brown Santa provides assistance to families in Williamson County living outside the city limits of any town or city within the county that does not already provide a similar service. Brown Santa purchases toys, books and other Christmas items for children. Volunteers help with special events, packing boxes and wrapping gifts.
508 S. Rock St., Georgetown
512-943-1300
www.wilcobrownsanta.com
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter provides care for homeless animals. Volunteers support the staff by socializing animals; assisting with cleaning, fundraising, off-site events and office work; and helping customers.
1855 S.E. Inner Loop, Georgetown
512-943-3322
www.pets.wilco.org
Twitter: @wilcopets
YMCA of Cedar Park’s Twin Lakes Family location puts Christian principles into practice through programs that aim to build a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA’s purpose is to enhance the lives of people in the community by providing programs, activities and facilities that develop and maintain opportunities. Volunteers help with special events, coaching, maintenance, mentoring and policy.
204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX 78613
512-250-9622
www.ymcagwc.org/cedar-park
This guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers. If your organization is not included, please email us at [email protected], and we will add it to our online list.
